EDITOR’S LET TER
M
y number-one piece of advice
to all just-engaged ladies is
to savor your engagement. You
were a single girl for years, and you’ll
be a wife for decades, but that exciting
time when you’re a fiancée is brief, finite,
and full of anticipation. It’s your year
of parties! An engagement celebration,
bridal shower, bachelorette, and
rehearsal dinner could all be held in your
honor, culminating with the biggest
event you’ve ever thrown. Your wedding
offers the chance to celebrate not only
your relationship but also the friends
and family who have helped shape the
people you two are.
While your engagement is a golden
moment, it’s also a time when a ridiculous
number of decisions must be made,
money is discussed, and your relationship
should be prioritized, because your
identity as a married couple really starts
now. For that reason, don’t miss “The
My th of the Instant Fiancé Upgrade,”
penned by relationship expert Alison A.
Armstrong. Six months ago, I read her
book The Queen’s Code and was so blown
away, I tracked her down to a workshopshe was leading in Los Angeles and flew
across the countr y to meet her. We sat
down for breakfast shortly before she
took the stage to address an auditorium
full of women striving to create more
fulfilling, communicative relationships
with the men in their lives. In that hour,
we spoke at length about what a transi-
tional time an engagement is, and I
couldn’t wait for Alison to share her
lessons with you. Think of it as a pain-
free relationship boot camp. I hope
you enjoy it!
And while you handle the home front,
it’s time to start planning the big event.
Resist the urge to buy your dress before
determining your budget and choosing
your venue. A duchesse-satin ball gown
with a crinoline underskirt on the beach
in August? Not ideal. Knowing how
much you have to spend and which
styles are best suited for your location
will help you focus your search for
the dress. Make sure to read this issue’s
“Ultimate Guide to the Budget” and
“Best Venues in America” to get started.
And then, once those two things are set-
tled, go for it! Get out there and enjoyIf you haven’t joined the party yet, “like”
us on Facebook for celebrity news,
insider giveaways, and creative ideas
from real weddings. Plus, discover all
the breaking bridal trends first.THANKS FOR
MAKING
US 1 MILLION+
STRONG!
SHOW US
YOUR
PROPOSAL
PHOTOS!
Use #BridesProposal on an
Instagram of your guy (or
you!) popping the question,
and your pic could be in a
future issue!Congratulations to
Melissa Howard and
Tanner Cummings
of Atlanta, who got
engaged in October.86 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015MINOR: DAVID A. LAND; COUPLE: VIC BONVICINI(continued on page 90 )圀漀爀氀搀䴀愀最猀⸀渀攀琀圀漀爀氀搀䴀愀最猀⸀渀攀琀
圀漀爀氀搀䴀愀最猀⸀渀攀琀